How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?

Document the damage immediately, make emergency repairs to prevent further loss, notify your insurer within 24–48 hours, and cooperate with the assigned adjuster — most property claims close within 30–60 days of the inspection.

How you handle the first 48 hours after a loss significantly affects how smoothly the claim pays. Your policy is a contract — it requires you to document damage, mitigate further loss, and cooperate with the investigation. The NAIC's guide to homeowners insurance claims is the authoritative consumer resource on the process.

Step 1 — Document damage before touching anything

Photograph and video everything — structural damage, personal property, water lines, fire marks. If it's safe, walk the entire affected area. Don't throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them or you have explicit written permission to discard. If a storm caused roof damage, photograph the roof from outside and record the date.

Step 2 — Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage

Your policy requires you to mitigate — meaning you must take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Tarp a damaged roof, board up broken windows, extract standing water. Keep all receipts for these emergency repairs — they're covered under most policies. Don't make permanent repairs until the adjuster signs off.

Step 3 — Contact your insurer and file the claim

Call your insurer's claims line or file online. You'll provide a description of the loss, the date it occurred, and the types of damage. Ask for a claim number immediately — every subsequent communication should reference it. Review your policy's reporting deadline; some policies require notice within a specific number of days.

Step 4 — Meet with the adjuster

Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster who will inspect the property. You or a contractor you trust should be present. Walk through every damaged area — don't assume the adjuster will find everything. Ask how the coverage limits (replacement cost vs. actual cash value) apply to your specific loss before agreeing to any settlement figure.

Step 5 — Review the settlement offer

After the inspection, the insurer issues an estimate. If you believe the settlement is insufficient — especially for structural damage — you can hire a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf. State insurance departments also have mediation programs for disputed residential claims. The III's guide to homeowners claims explains the typical settlement structure.

Don't discard damaged items

Throwing away damaged belongings before the adjuster documents them can jeopardize that portion of your personal property claim. Document everything with photos first, then ask for written authorization to discard before you remove anything.

Homeowners claim process

Most homeowners policies contain a 'duties after a loss' clause that requires prompt notice, documentation, and cooperation with the insurer's investigation. — NAIC — Home Insurance Consumer Guide
Emergency repair costs (tarping, boarding, water extraction) are typically covered under homeowners policies when made to prevent further damage. — III — Homeowners Insurance Basic Coverage
If a claim is disputed, policyholders can invoke the appraisal clause in their policy or file a complaint with their state department of insurance. — NAIC — Consumer Resources

Key takeaways

Photograph everything before touching it — documentation is the foundation of any claim.
Make emergency repairs to prevent further loss; keep all receipts.
File your claim promptly — most policies have a required notice deadline.
Be present during the adjuster's inspection; walk through every damaged area.
Don't accept the first offer if it doesn't cover your actual repair costs — you can negotiate or hire a public adjuster.

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